The scheme, aimed at benefitting 40 lakh poor families with a monthly dole of Rs 500-750, has been stalled, with the model code of conduct for the Lok Sabha polls in place.

Officials told IANS that the selection process to shortlist the beneficiaries was underway but has been stopped in all districts following the announcement of the election schedule.
Applications for the scheme had been invited since Feb 7, and thousands had applied so far from across the state.

The Election Commission has apparently raised the red flag because the application forms for the `Samajwadi Pension` scheme carry the picture of Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav.